Tag Archive for "health" | The Organic Beauty

The Power Of Dark Chocolate (and the Beauty of Cocoa!)

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Tuesday, February 19, 2013 Diet and Foods, Healthy Beauty, Healthy Cooking, Healthy Eating, Holistic Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Organic Beauty, Recipes, Wellness anti-aging beauty products, cancer cocoa butter, Cocoa, Cocoa bean, cocoa butter Permalink 0

By: Stephanie Heino

This time of year, people take the opportunity to indulge a little (a lot!) extra in chocolate. You don’t necessarily have to say no to that delicious piece of chocolate, but make sure it is 70% or darker in order to get the maximum health benefits. In fact, if you are looking to lower your blood pressure or boost your mood, a bite of dark chocolate might be the perfect answer. The cocoa found in some of your favorite desserts contains many super powers that can help improve your health such as cardiovascular system (mainly in the form of flavonoids). You might have noticed that chocolate often gives an instant feeling of happiness—this is due to the rush of dopamine that triggers the brain’s pleasure receptors, and endorphins which provide a natural high kind of feeling. But as with any sweet treat, even this one should be eaten in modest portions because it is high in calories, but at least you can go to the dark side in a delicious, healthy way. If you, like us, don’t buy the chocolate sold in stores, try making those easy, raw and delicious desserts from Valentine’s Day!

Discover 5 reasons why you should add dark chocolate to your diet for better health:

Flavonoids. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids, a type of chemical found naturally in plants. These phytochemicals are known to help fight a wide array of diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Make sure you’re getting all of the benefits of flavonoids by buying dark chocolate that is at least 70% cocoa. If you aren’t sure, look for bars with “pure,” “dark” or “unprocessed” on the label. Flavonols (the type of flavonoid found in chocolate) help your skin look its best. Those antioxidants help your skin protect itself from UV damage (hello, fewer wrinkles) fight free radicals (so long, sun spots) as well as improving skin hydration and thickness – which both are important for young-looking skin. Read more about this later in the article!

Lowering Blood Pressure. High blood pressure can be combated with a small daily dose of dark chocolate. We now know that the flavonols found in cocoa can thin blood and relax blood vessels. If you are worried about high blood pressure, even a small amount, like a sprinkle of cocoa or raw cacao on your quinoa porridge every day, can help lower your numbers.

Mood Booster. When you’re feeling down, sometimes there’s nothing better than eating chocolate (hello, PMS!). And as it turns out, there is a scientific reason why chocolate is so often the perfect answer for a case of the blues. This miracle food contains hundreds of compounds that boost endorphins and serotonin, two of the best-known chemicals that are responsible for making us feel happy. Next time you need a quick mood boost, try making yourself a cup of organic hot cocoa (sweetened with stevia, of course), and your day is sure to turn out more delicious.

Stress Reducer. Dark chocolate also helps combat beauty’s public enemy number one: Stress. Cocoa helps reduce stress hormones, which means less collagen breakdown in the skin, and fewer wrinkles.

It helps boost your immune system. Dark chocolate may help suppress T-cell activity in your immune system, making it an amazing fighter against certain conditions such as psoriasis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cocoa for Beauty

When it comes to beauty; cocoa butter (the cream-colored fat that’s extracted from cocoa beans) is widely used in cosmetics, soaps, lotions, and other skincare products thanks to its moisturizing properties (the most stable, highly concentrated fats). So if you are looking for a moisturizer that’s affordable, naturally sweet-smelling and easily absorbed by the skin (melting at body temperature), make sure to pick up some beauty products containing cocoa butter next time you go shop for beauty products!

Here is 6 reasons why you should use cocoa butter in your beauty regiment:

Help Reduce Skin Conditions. Cocoa butter has been known to treat eczema and dermatitis. Thank the cocoa mass polyphenol (CMP) in cocoa butter: CMP inhibits the production of immonu globulin, which tends to worsen the symptoms of dermatitis and asthma.

It may help prevent cancer. Studies have shown that CMP helps inhibit the growth of cancer cells. CMP inhibits cancer cell and tumor growth by preventing the oxidation of good cholesterol and the production of inflammatory cells.

Prevent Stretch Marks. Ever wonder why pregnant women reach for cocoa butter-enriched products to rub on their bellies? Cocoa butter is loaded with vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, and E. Paired with its ability to moisturize like no other, cocoa butter is said to be the best ingredient to prevent stretch marks. While cocoa butter can’t entirely erase them, it is able to reduce their appearance remarkably!

Anti-aging Properties. Cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants, which help in fighting off free radicals. Free radicals destroy healthy skin cells, damaging your skin and making it age faster. An added bonus: cocoa butter may also protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.

Skin Softener. As mentioned above cocoa contains antioxidants that work toward repairing damaged skin. This will make your skin softer, especially when paired with other homeopathic skins cures like raw honey. Next time you are giving yourself a manicure, use a homemade cocoa lotion made out of yogurt, honey and cocoa powder, works wonder for winter-dry hands!

Hair Moisturizer. The benefits of using cocoa butter on hair are increased manageability and moisture. Cocoa butter can help prevent hair loss due to breakage or extra fine texture. It can also help alleviate scalp itching and irritation. Another benefit of using cocoa butter on hair is the prevention of chemical damage.

I will make sure to invest in some beauty products containing cocoa butter next time I go shopping, you should too!

8 Aphrodisiac Foods To Help You Feel Even Sexier!

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Wednesday, February 13, 2013 Healthy Eating, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Organic Beauty, Wellness Aphrodisiac, dark chocolate, food, health, Libido Permalink 0

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

Let’s face it, us ladies are often wired a little differently when it comes to sex. (Hello 6 month dry spell of 2006!) Sometimes we need a little boost to get us in the mood, and luckily there are a bunch of foods out there that can do just that!

Dark Chocolate

As if you need another excuse to eat more chocolate, right? Well, take this puppy off your guilt list. Nibbling a square or two of high quality dark chocolate (think 65% dark or higher) a day has been shown to make women feel sexier and improve their sex lives! In addition to tons of amazing antioxidants, dark chocolate is full of endorphins, anxiety busting tryptophan, and small amounts of anandamide and theobromine, which can destress you and help you get in the mood! Go for a dairy-free, organic dark chocolate like Nibmor, which you can get at Whole Foods or your local health food store.

Raw Honey

Unprocessed honey is loaded with B vitamins, which help produce testosterone (which we ladies also need for a healthy sex drive). It also has boron, which helps your body metabolize and use estrogen, a vital hormone for blood flow and arousal! Dip some Granny Smith apples in honey for a yummy dessert, or use it to sweeten your tea! My favorite is Wee Bee Naturally Raw Honey.

Nutmeg

A research study on rats showed that this yummy spice bolstered friskiness and sexual activity. It has properties that simulate the effects of serotonin and stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxing the mind and body, and priming you for some lovin’. Grate some nutmeg into your morning smoothie, into desserts and soups, or on some yummy roasted vegetables like squash!

Oysters

This popular aphrodisiac is loaded with zinc, another testosterone-producing mineral, as well as amino acids that kick other sex hormones into gear. But make sure to chew your oysters, as opposed to just slurping them, to maximize absorption of all the potent sexy nutrients! Not a seafood lover? Go for a 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds instead!

Dark Leafy Greens and Asparagus

You know you have to eat more greens, but how about better orgasms some good motivation? Dark leafy greens and asparagus are super rich in folate, which regulates the body’s production of histamine, a chemical released during orgasm.

Garlic and Ginger

These spicy health-bombs increase blood flow to your whole body, but most notably, your sexy bits! They increase arousal, sensitivity and sensation, and can take fooling around from fun to mind-blowing. I try to use garlic in almost everything I make, from salads (just press a few cloves into your dressing!) to soups, and almost all preparations of veggies. Ginger works great in Asian dishes, stir-frys, soups, or just a super easy ginger tea! Rock my immunity boosting Honey Ginger Lemon Tea to keep coughs and colds at bay, AND spice up your sex life!

Salmon

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, have been shown to not only reduce stress and boost mood, but also increase female libido, improve orgasms, and keep everything lubricated. If you’re not eating wild Atlantic salmon twice a week, take a high quality fish oil supplement like NOW Super EPA!

Check out this delicious Valentine’s Day dinner menu that uses all these foods, as well as a bunch of male virility boosting foods as well!

Good vs. Bad Bacteria – How To Maintain Balance In Your Gut

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Thursday, February 7, 2013 Diet and Foods, Healthy Eating, Holistic Health, Nutrition antibiotics, Bad Bacteria, Bifidobacteria, Clostridia, diarrhea Permalink 0

By: Stephanie Heino

The human body plays host to a number of micro-organisms, most of which are our friends. But we do have some that create imbalances which show up in your overall health. Our colon has the largest microbial community in the body, and this is where the micro-organisms live. In this part of the body, the bacterial population usually doubles once or twice a day. Many of these bacteria are, of course, also eliminated during the course of the day, so that a healthy balance is maintained. Under normal circumstances, the microbial community in the colon – which includes more than 300 different species of micro-organisms – regulates itself. These micro-organisms normally prevent infection and growth of “bad” bacteria (parasites like Salmonella and clostridia, for instance), and have a positive effect on nutrition.

However, the intestinal flora of the colon can very easily be disturbed. This may change the balance of normal micro-organisms in the colon greatly. Several factors, like stress, altitude changes, starvation, parasitic organisms, diarrhea, and use of antibiotics, could contribute to such an imbalance.

When the balance is disturbed, one can become susceptible to disease. In these circumstances, boosting the numbers of “good” bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract can be particularly useful. This is where probiotics come into play. Probiotics are microbial foods or supplements that can be used to change or improve the intestinal bacterial balance to boost the health of the host. The most common forms of probiotics include Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria. These good guys destroy the overgrowth of toxic bacteria by competing for attachment sites and nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. Lactobacillus and bifidobacteria also produce organic acids that reduce the intestinal pH and retard the growth of “bad”, acid-sensitive bacteria.

If you are like me, and aren’t a fan of fermented dairy products, there are tons of other forms of fermented foods, such as sauerkraut (white cabbage cut finely, salted and fermented in its own liquid shown in picture) or kimchi, miso (a thick paste made from fermented and processed soy beans) and tempeh (a dish made from split soybeans and water), which are also cultured with Lactobacillus, bifidobacteria, and other forms of beneficial bacteria. However, the potency and number of live organisms in commercial products may vary greatly. And many manufacturers are finding it difficult to overcome technical problems, especially in terms of keeping the micro-organisms alive under unfriendly conditions.

When it comes to intestinal health, we also need to consider prebiotics, which are non-digestible carbohydrates that act as food for probiotics. When probiotics and prebiotics are combined, they form a symbiotic relationship. Prebiotics include foods like dietary fiber that nourish the beneficial micro-organisms in the gut. It is therefore essential to include enough fiber in the diet by eating fruit, vegetables and whole-grains, as well as bananas, onions, garlic, honey and artichokes.

So if you are not a fan of dairy (like me!) make sure to get enough of these foods, or choose a dietary supplement like NOW Dairy-Free Probiotic-10. You don’t necessarily need probiotics to be healthy. However, these microorganisms may help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria, just as the existing “good” bacteria in your body already do.

Probiotics may help to:

Treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics
Prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections
Treat irritable bowel syndrome
Reduce bladder cancer recurrence
Speed treatment of certain intestinal infections
Prevent and treat eczema in children
Prevent or reduce the severity of colds and flu

Want To Have Amazing Hair, Skin & Nails? Eat Your Raw Foods!

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Tuesday, February 5, 2013 Diet and Foods, Healthy Beauty, Healthy Eating, Holistic Health, Organic Beauty Broccoli, Carrots, chlorophyll, Flax seeds, Greens Permalink 0

By: Stephanie Heino

Want healthy and glossy hair without supplements? Do you want it to grow faster, while getting strong nails and flawless skin? Keep reading!

A sound diet with lots of raw foods will give you the best possible nutritional advantage for getting healthy hair, nails and skin. Stock upon leafy greens and get in a serving of soaked raw nuts or seeds each day which deliver minerals, essential fatty acids and amino acids (the building block of protein that makes our hair, nails and skin). A mineral-rich diet with lots of raw foods is your best bet for creating beauty inside-out.

The health of our hair and nails depends on good circulation of the blood which carries oxygen and nutrients to the area. We need to move the body to ensure this circulation is working as it should. But mostly problems with hair and nails are due to an imbalance within, and that can always be re-balanced through healthy raw foods!

In fact, your body prefers to be nourished with raw foods. If your diet predominately consists of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, you will create a perfect balance within, which will show up on the outside (with some patience!).

Check out this guide to 5 amazing raw foods that will boost your beauty and give you fuller, shinier, healthier hair:

Dark Green Vegetables

Greens like kale, spinach, broccoli and Swiss chard, are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which your body needs to produce sebum. They are also packed with minerals like silicon and sulfur that are vital to healthy growth of our nails and hair.

Nuts

Do you go nuts for thick, shiny hair? You should. Brazil nuts are one of nature’s best sources of selenium, an important mineral for the health of your scalp. Walnuts contain alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that may help condition your hair. They are also a terrific source of zinc, as are cashews, pecans, and almonds. A zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so make sure you eat nuts on the regular.

Flax seeds

The second step to beautiful skin, hair and nails involves including optimal amounts of essential fats in your diet. Fats are especially important for our skin and hair. They are an enormous part of how skin and hair are stay moist and lush as opposed to course and dry, and by including flax seeds and avocados you take care of this issue. If you feel like it will be a problem to eat enough of these foods to truly nourish, it can also be practical to use an essential fatty acid supplement in the form of a liquid oil. Although this is a post on raw foods, evening primrose oil is also a favourite of skin, hair and nails.

Wheatgrass

By drinking wheatgrass, and washing your hair in it you will see some great results. By doing this, nutrients penetrate into follicles and stimulate growth of new pigment-producing cells. Getting results takes time, but be patient!

Sea Vegetables

Research shows sodium alginate, a compound found in most seaweed, binds with heavy metals and chemical poisons, flushing them from the body. They nourish the endocrine system, especially the thyroid and adrenal glands. Iodine in seaweed keeps the thyroid functioning normally, and is high in natural sodium. Sea vegetables, providing plenty of proteins, complex carbohydrates, carotenes, and chlorophyll, not only stimulate and strengthen the hair, but also the skin and nails. Brittle hair, caused by a shortage of minerals, too much salt or animal food, or use of drugs, can be restored by eating sea vegetables. Kombu comes in sticks which you can add to your soups, stews, beans and casseroles. It has a yummy salty flavour, and you also get a range of minerals that your skin, hair and nails love.

8 Foods for Male Virility and Fertility

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Sunday, February 3, 2013 Diet and Foods, Healthy Eating, Holistic Health, Nutrition, Wellness Chili pepper, chili pepper male virility, food, health, Holistic Health Permalink 1

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

No time like Valentine’s Day to pump up your man’s diet with some majorly potent virility foods. These 8 foods enhance virility, libido, balance testosterone levels, keep spermies healthy, and help prevent prostate cancer. Eat up and enjoy nature’s own Viagra!

Oysters: These puppies are loaded with zinc, which is a key raw material for the production of testosterone. This also makes them a big aphrodisiac for both sexes! Not a fan of oysters? Pumpkin seeds are a great vegetarian alternative.

Walnuts: These guys are the closest thing to all-natural Viagra around. They’re full of arginine, an amino acid which is a key for quality erections, in terms of duration and frequency! Throw a handful of walnuts into your morning smoothie to make any day way sexier.

Tomatoes: Especially when cooked, tomatoes contain lycopene, which is amazing for your prostate health and virility. Rock some tomato sauce or throw a handful of grape tomatoes into your scrambled eggs or sautéed greens for an easy daily dose!

Chili peppers: These hotties are full of capsaicin, which releases endorphins, increases heart rate and dilates blood vessels. This makes them an awesome libido boosting food for both sexes, really heating things up in the bedroom. Add some chili peppers and celery to your homemade tomato sauce to get a triple virility punch, or make a hearty, delicious bean chili!

Celery: In addition to allegedly making a man’s, ahem, stuff, taste better, the andosterone in celery also increases male pheromones, which are odorless ecto-hormones that make your irresistible to the opposite sex. Having that kind of positive attention can be a major confidence boost in the bedroom! Try making a potent and delicious juice out of celery, apples, and ginger!

Ginger: This potent food is a major libido booster, due to it’s testosterone and blood flow increasing effects. It’s also generally amazing for your health! Add ginger to your smoothies, juices, salad dressing, or make a tea with raw ginger slices!

Oats: This breakfast staple is full of the B vitamin L-arginine, which increases sperm count and blood flow to the penis. Rock some morning oatmeal with bananas and walnuts to get a mega virility boost!

Bananas: These guys pack a virility double whammy. They’re loaded with potassium, which is crucial for quality erections, and they also have bromelain, which can increase virility and help reverse impotence. Check out this post that has a great banana superfood smoothie recipe for male virility!

Ladies, you’re welcome… : )

Amazing Superfood Smoothie

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Saturday, February 2, 2013 Diet and Foods, Healthy Beauty, Healthy Cooking, Healthy Eating, Nutrition, Organic Beauty, Recipes, Wellness bee pollen, chia seeds, Coconut water, cooking, Goji Berries Permalink 0

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

Following up on our post about the 8 Amazing Superfoods Your Body Needs, I thought it would be awesome to post a delicious, ridiculously-insane-for-your-health Superfood Smoothie that uses almost all of these phenomenal foods. Obviously, you don’t have to use each and every one, but if you want to supercharge your health, beauty, and energy, this is one majorly effective way to do it.

The Organic Beauty Amazing Superfood Smoothie

1 cup coconut water
1 cup organic baby spinach
1 organic banana (frozen is best!)
1/4 cup organic blueberries
A handful of walnuts
1 tsp maca powder
1 tsp goji berry powder
1 tsp spirulina
1 tbsp chia or hemp seeds
1 tsp bee pollen
A pinch of stevia (optional)

Combine ingredients in blender.

Naturally Beat Those Winter Blues!

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Saturday, February 2, 2013 Diet and Foods, Exercise, Healthy Eating, Healthy Home, Holistic Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Wellness depression, dietary supplements, Exercise, health, Holistic Health Permalink 0

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC

Whether or not you actually suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it is pretty tough to not get bummed when it’s freezing and grey outside for days on end. Our social lives take a major hit, and we are much more likely to crave getting all bundled up and cozy at home than a night on the town. It’s harder to motivate ourselves to get to the gym, and those cravings for comfort food just don’t let up. But fear not! With just a few daily steps, you can naturally beat the winter blues, improve your mood and energy, and keep your system on track.

Catch some daylight! Especially when the days are shorter and darker, it is that much more important to get exposure to daylight. Ideally, this would be direct light outside, but, when it’s frigid and miserable outside, getting some daylight through a window does the trick too! Leave your blinds open at night, so the morning light can wake you up and help regulate your production of melatonin, and thereby, your sleep cycle! Keeping a regular sleep-wake cycle is vital to staving off wintertime depression. If your bedroom doesn’t get much natural light, then stand dreamily in front of your brightest window for a couple of minutes right when you wake up! It’s a nice little morning ritual with wonderful health benefits.

Exercise! I know it’s hard to get to the gym when it’s 0 degrees outside, but it’ll pay off in terms of your motivation and energy, which will help you tons in the long run. If it’s super gross out, just work out at home! Don’t let the weather be an excuse to skimp on exercise! Find a dvd that you love, and sweat it out in the warmth and comfort of your living room. Exercise is one of the best natural antidepressants out there!

Take some fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA, are amazing for balancing mood and staving off depression. Even if you eat fish regularly, supplement with 2-3 grams of high EPA fish oil every day. My favorite is NOW Super EPA.. I take it every day!

Take vitamin D. In the dark of winter, especially in the northern parts of this fair country, it is impossible to get enough vitamin D from sunlight. The result is that we’re all running around completely deficient in this important nutrient! Low levels of vitamin D can cause depression, lowered immunity, anxiety, higher stress levels, and a host of other unpleasant symptoms. It is absolutely crucial to supplement with a high quality vitamin D during the winter months, and for many of us, year round! Opt for at least 3000-4000 IU of sublingual vitamin D daily. My favorite is Biotics Bio-D-Mulsion Forte.. Just two drops under your tongue in the morning and you’re good to go!

Load up on plant nutrients. Plant foods are nature’s amazing natural mood-boosters, and it is super easy to eat your way to a fantastic mood even in the greyest of winters. Whole grains like amaranth and quinoa are great for raising serotonin, which is your brain’s natural feel-good neurotransmitter. Olive oil and other healthy fats like avocados and nuts are also wonderful natural antidepressants. Green leafies like spinach and collards are loaded with folate, which along with other B vitamins, is vital for regulating mood.
Treat yourself! Plan a fun winter getaway weekend, a spa day, a fun party, or even some nights at the theater, a concert, or the opera! Having some exciting things to look forward to is a great way to boost your mood and break up the monotony of a long winter.

3 Easy, Tasty & Healthy Breakfast Ideas

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Tuesday, January 29, 2013 Healthy Cooking, Healthy Eating, Nutrition, Recipes banana pancakes, chia seeds, flourless, gluten-free, gluten-free breakfasts Permalink 0

By: Stephanie Heino

I usually hear people talking about how hard it is to find easy, healthy breakfast options. I understand that all people don’t have time to make an advanced breakfast menu, and might just end up grabbing a donut and a latte from the nearest Dunkin’ Donuts on their way to work. I have some good news for you – a healthy breakfast is not science. Sure, it takes some preparation, but other than that it can be done while doing your make up in the morning. Check out my easy, healthy and delicious (AND gluten-free!) breakfast ideas below and get a healthy start to your day. It is your choice and your body, be mindful what goes in!

Quinoa Porridge

Not all breakfasts need to taste like the bottom of a bird cage. On crisp winter mornings combine silky smooth quinoa with your favorite almond or rice milk for a creamy consistency. Add anti-oxidant red-rich berries such as goji berries and you’ll have an energizing, warm and fulfilling breakfast to keep you going until lunchtime. Why not make up your own concoction with delicious toppings such as berries, cacao nibs, raw nuts or coconut flakes?

Here’s how to enjoy a yummy quinoa filled breakfast…

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp cinnamon
8 drops stevia liquid concentrate
1 TBS coconut oil
Almond milk to serve

Method

Bring 2 cups of water to boil in a wide saucepan
Add quinoa, sea salt, cinnamon, stevia and butter/coconut oil
Cover and reduce heat and simmer for 12 minutes
Remove from heat and scoop into a bowl add almond milk, scatter with lime zest and enjoy

Chia Seed Pudding

As you may have heard, the Chia seed is a superfood. The seeds are actually a species of flowering plant in the mint family. They’re rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is usually what you hear the nutritionists discussing. The seeds themselves can be eaten raw as a whole seed, packing a good punch of protein, fat and fiber (one-ounce has 4 grams protein and 11 grams of fiber! – Amazing)

This is one highly adaptable recipe, so you can change it up as you go. The only thing you must do is soak the chia seeds because that’s how the expand and become gelatinous, much like tapioca pearls. But the ways in which you can dress it up are endless: one morning, I had a banana sliced up and added some sliced almonds for a breakfast pudding. Or you could do a version with a cashew cream and crushed roasted hazelnuts.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients
2 1/4 cups almond milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup or raw agave
2/3 cup chia seeds
2 tablespoons wide-flake unsweetened coconut

Method
In a small bowl, combine the almond milk and the syrup, vanilla, and ginger powder and whisk to combine. Add the chia seeds and whisk vigorously to fully combine. Pour into a container, cover, and refrigerate at least 5 hours, and ideally overnight.

When ready to serve, stir well. Spoon into bowls and top with coconut, berries, nuts, or any other toppings you like. Enjoy!

Gluten-Free Flourless Banana Pancakes

Flourless Banana Pancakes This may be the most delicious and easy breakfast option for all of you that like to have a pancake for breakfast. Except for that this one is gluten free, flourless and full of protein. Lately this mashed banana + egg recipe has been blowing up the fitness/health blogs, and we are not late to tag along. Just the two measly ingredients of bananas & egg are perfection, but I usually add my own touches: a tablespoon of almond butter, some ground flaxseed, a bit of vanilla, & a dash of cinnamon.

Serves: 2-3

Ingredients

1 mashed, super ripe banana

2 eggs

Oil for the pan (Coconut oil is my preference)

Method

Mash your banana with a fork. In another bowl whisk eggs. Mix eggs & banana together. Add my additions. Put your choice of oil on a pan [low-medium heat]. Add a silver dollar-sized amount to the pan. Let the cake set for 30 seconds [or when the center bubbles] & flip it! Enjoy with berries & a bit of syrup. Option: if you’re pressed for time use a blender to mix your ingredients.

A Better Option than Airborne or Emergen-C?

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Monday, January 28, 2013 Diet and Foods, Holistic Health, Nutrition, Wellness Airborne, airborne vs. emergen-C, Amino acid, dietary supplements, eboost Permalink 8

I’ll admit, a big part of my flu season regimen is loading up on some extra vitamins (for the rest of my regimen, see How To Naturally Prevent the Flu). When I get home, particularly after having been on the subway or another crowded germ-fest, the number two thing I do (after washing my hands with hot, soapy water) is to pop an effervescent immune-boosting vitamin. It definitely does the trick (I rarely get sick), but this precaution comes with a fair amount of guilt on my end. The drugstore standbys, Airborne and Emergen-C, come with their fair share of sub-par ingredients that I usually avoid. So I’ve decided to take on a side by side comparison of these guys, as well as few other readily available and slightly harder to come by brands. I was actually surprised to find that those drugstore standbys are the weaker of the 5 brands I found! So without further ado, behold…

The Effervescent Immunity-Boost Showdown!

Scoring based on the following factors, which are each worth a maximum of 5 points:

Comprehensive vitamin and mineral content (CVM)
Immune-boosting herbal additions (H)
Quality of ingredients (Q)
Calorie and sugar content (CS)
Value (V)

Potent, Non-Toxic Skincare from Own

By: Natasha Uspensky, CHHC Monday, January 14, 2013 Healthy Beauty, Organic Beauty, Product Reviews conjugated linoleic acid, health, Healthy Beauty, non-toxic, Organic Beauty Permalink 0

All you devoted followers of trends in organic beauty know that the search for non-toxic products that are just as effective as their potentially carcinogenic counterparts can be a grueling one. For the last few months, I’ve been testing the entire line of Own Skincare Products, and have to say I am super happy with the results! The line isn’t organic, but it is free of harsh chemicals, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and all the other bad guys we Organic Beauties are bent on banishing. Best of all, it is super affordable!

The San Francisco-based product line features the super potent skincare ingredient, CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), which is known for reversing and preventing the signs of aging and improving skin texture and firmness. The Firming Silk Concentrate serum feels fantastic after my morning jojoba oil face wash. It really does leave my skin silky smooth and absorbs super fast. I use the Lifting Eye Cream twice a day, and I definitely attribute my total lack of lines to the potent combination of CLA, safflower oil, shea butter, and soybean germ extract! Before bed, I end my skincare routine with luxurious Refining Moisture Night Cream, which goes on super smooth, absorbs super fast, and gives me the smoothest, brightest skin when I wake up in the morning. In the last few months, I’ve noticed that my skin is softer, smoother, and despite my recent (ahem) landmark birthday, I’m happy to say my skin doesn’t look a day older than it did at 18!

The other great thing about the Own brand is their commitment to holistic beauty. Over on their blog, they regularly feature all kinds of super helpful lifestyle tips that guarantee young healthy skin for life! Check out their 10 Winter Beauty Tips! Because, as we Organic Beauties know, beautiful skin is more than just the products you use…

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The Power Of Dark Chocolate (and the Beauty of Cocoa!)

Discover 5 reasons why you should add dark chocolate to your diet for better health:

Cocoa for Beauty